Lisa Whelchel may be living her dream as part of the new cast of Survivor, but did you know that Lisa has been hiding a secret for months? The former Facts Of Life star revealed recently that she has been secretly divorced from her husband for a few months now!

When she headed out to Survivor to start competing, some folks had no idea who Lisa Whelchel was, but even less knew that Lisa was also secretly divorced. Why did she keep her divorce a secret? “I just never thought it would happen to me. It was painful to realize that it wasn’t going to work out,” Lisa told People Magazine recently in a statement.

Lisa Whelchel was married to her husband, Steve Cauble for 24 years before ending things, and just as her divorce was finalized, she was heading out to her new gig: “The divorce was final on March 1, and I went out to be on Survivor on March 10.”

The timing of Survivor was perfect for her though, as Whelchel went on to tell People: “Going out to Survivor was helpful for me, to divert my attention and not just dwell on the loss.”

But despite being unable to work through their marital issues, Lisa Whelchel and Steve are hoping to remain friends. Lisa explained: “We will always be friends. And we will always be family, too,” adding that the couple even watched the premiere of Survivor together with their three grown children.

What do you think of Lisa Whelchel’s secret divorce? Are you enjoying her on Survivor Philippines? We know you have an opinion, and we want to hear it! Comment and share your thoughts with us below!